Fibre Arts
Introduction to Machine Sewing
Have you always wanted to know how to use a sewing machine, or would love a refresher? Join us for informative workshop where we talk about the basics of using and maintaining a sewing machine and then try your hand at making a simple tote bag!
We approach sewing as joyful, low pressure, and accessible. The sewing machines at Rice Lake Arts are beautiful vintage ones – all metal and mechanical (of the type you may have inherited from a family member or can easily find for sale at very, very reasonable prices!). This one-day workshop will give you information about online resources for machine reviews, accessories and supplies; experience using the sewing machine (including cleaning and oiling for DIY machine maintenance); and a chance to make a simple tote bag.
Dates & Details
1) SUN July 7
Time: 11 am – 4 pm
Maximum Size: 8 participants (minimum age 14)
Fee: $160.00 includes taxes, materials & use of our vintage sewing machines.
Your instructors for this workshop are experienced sewers/quilters Jennifer Schacker and Miriam Davidson.
Your Instructor
BIO
Jennifer & Miriam
Sewing Examples
Introduction to English Paper Piecing Workshop (EPP)
Have you ever wondered how historic sewers created richly coloured, geometric quilts with sharp points and accurate piecing without a sewing machine? English Paper Piecing (EPP) is the answer and whether you are an experienced sewer or a beginner, this workshop will introduce you to a highly accessible approach to designing and piecing your own patchwork projects. EPP is a technique using geometrically shaped paper templates and fabric, assembled with a simple hand sewing. The process is mindful and calming and doesn’t rely on a sewing machine, so it is portable, easy to take to the park, the cottage or on a road trip.
In this one or two day workshop (you can choose) Miriam will guide you through the EPP process, and even if you are a novice sewer you will find this ingenious technique easy to learn. You will leave the workshop with a clear understanding of all the steps involved in English Paper Piecing, along with a simple first project*, instructional handouts, and the skills you will need to create EPP projects at home.
*The complexity of this first project will depend on your goals, interests and the length of your workshop.
Dates & Details
1) SAT & SUN June 1 & 2
2) WED & THURS June 26 & 27
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Maximum Size: 8 participants (minimum age 14)
Fee: 1 Day Workshop – $160.00 includes taxes, materials & equipment
Fee: 2 Day Workshop – $300.00 includes taxes, materials & equipment
Your Instructor
BIO
Miriam Davidson
EPP Examples
Bark Box Basket Weaving
Come spend the day working outdoors with accomplished fibre artist Sandi McNeil. In this one-day workshop you will learn a variety of basic weaving techniques including plaiting, twining and rim lashing to create a Bark Box Basket. You will form your square or rectangular basket using natural materials harvested by Sandi near her home in Buckhorn, including cedar, basswood and birch bark from our region. No previous experience is required.
Dates & Details
1) SAT July 6
2) SAT Aug 24
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Maximum Size: 10 participants (minimum age 16)
Fee: $180.00 most equipment & materials included*
*Note: You will receive an email before the workshop with a short list of everyday items we ask that you bring along.
Your Instructor
BIO
Sandi McNeil
Bark Weaving examples
Shadow & Stitch: An Introduction to Cyanotype Printing & Mindful Stitching
In this one day workshop the emphasis is on creative play and experimentation. The first part of the workshop will focus on learning the basics of Cyanotype printing, a simple photographic printmaking process, to create imagery inspired by the natural forms at Rice Lake Arts. Using plant life you forage from grounds, and objects you bring along that have personal meaning, you will make a series of dramatic shadow prints on watercolour paper and/or fabric.
Once your prints have dried, you will be encouraged to consider embellishing them with stitched patterns and embroidery techniques to yield one-of-a-kind results that you are sure to cherish. No experience with any of these techniques is necessary to join this workshop!
Dates & Details
1) SUN July 21
2) SAT Aug 10
Time: 10 am – 4:30 pm
Maximum Size: 10 participants (minimum age 16)
Fee: $180.00 includes taxes, materials & equipment.
Your Instructor
BIO
Alia Toor
Student artwork
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
Introduction to Machine Sewing Workshop
SUN July 7
11 am – 4 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $160.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
Introduction to English Paper Piecing Workshop (EPP)
SAT & SUN June 1 & 2
WED & THURS June 26 & 27
10 am – 4 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $160.00 for a 1 Day Workshop or $300.00 for a 2 Day Workshop to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
Bark Box Basket Weaving Workshop
SAT July 6
SAT Aug 24
10 am – 4 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $180.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
Introduction to Natural Dyeing with Local Plants Workshop
SAT July 20
SAT Aug 17
10 am – 4:30 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $180.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
You are registering for Rice Lake Art’s
Shadow & Stitch: An Introduction to Cyanotype Printing & Mindful Stitching Workshop
SUN July 21
SAT Aug 10
10 am – 4:30 pm
Please fill out the form below – if you have any questions, let us know in the message section. Your registration will be finalized once you e-transfer the workshop fee of $180.00 to info@ricelakearts.ca. We are set up for auto deposit, no password required.
Once payment is received, we will email you confirmation of your enrollment.
Student artwork
Sandi is a natural fibre artist who works extensively with hand gathered materials that grow in and around the Kawartha Lakes, near her Notably Natural Studio on the shore of Buckhorn Lake, Ontario. Although known primarily for traditional basketry, Sandi pushes the boundaries of basketmaking to create unique sculptural forms, wall weavings, twig and tile tables. More recently she has been exploring wire and wool, combining soft colourful aluminum wire with a delicious range of fibre, colour and textures to create 3-D needle felted sculptures.
Melinda Sutton Downie is a dyer, spinner, weaver, quilter, knitter, crocheter, gardener and occasionally takes time out to tidy the house. She holds an MFA from the University of Alberta and lives on five beautiful acres south of Rice Lake. Melinda can regularly be seen demonstrating natural and historic dyeing techniques at Lang Pioneer Village (www.langpioneervillage.ca).
Jennifer and Miriam are long time friends who look forward to sharing their knowledge and love of sewing with you in this introductory machine sewing workshop. Both are knitters and quilters who enjoy bold colour and design, experimenting with fabric and fibre and joyful crafting of all kinds.
Miriam Davidson is an art educator with many years of experience teaching English Paper Piecing and other art forms in schools, university and community-based settings. Between 2012 – 2020 she ran a collaborative quilt program where ninth grade students used English Paper Piecing to create hand sewn, boldly coloured, well-crafted quilts that were donated to Project Linus, Covenant House and helped raise funds for Zimkids. Over the eight years she ran this EPP program, Miriam and her students donated over 100 quilts to the community. Miriam enjoys designing and sewing her own quilts with bold colour and pattern.
EPP Examples
